NWSL Chicago Stars FC vs North Carolina Courage
A real bombshell exploded at the stadium in Chicago! Ludmila made history by scoring the fastest hat-trick in NWSL history, three goals in just 10 minutes and 9 seconds (76’, 81’, 86’).
Despite the Brazilian’s brilliance, the Stars managed to snatch a 3–3 draw in this thrilling clash. Sam Staab contributed two assists, while Manaka Hayashi recorded her first key pass for the club. Under interim coach Ella Masar, the Chicago team is showing determination and character, which could prove crucial in the final stretch of the season.
Bay FC vs Washington Spirit
Oracle Park in San Francisco became the stage for history, with a record-breaking crowd of 40,091 fans, setting a new NWSL attendance record.
Washington Spirit emerged victorious in this battle, winning 3–2 thanks to goals from Kate Wiesner, Croix Bethune, and an unfortunate own goal by the hosts. Bay FC tried to mount a comeback with goals from Racheal Kundananji and Kelli Hubly but simply ran out of time.
The undeniable hero of the match was Aubrey Kingsbury, who made five crucial saves including one in stoppage time, to secure all three points for Spirit.
Gotham FC vs Utah Royals
At Red Bull Arena, the match ended in a goalless 0–0 draw, even though the hosts fired 18 shots and dominated offensively. The Utah Royals, however, built a defensive wall, with goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn proving unbeatable, registering seven confident saves.
Gotham remains in the eighth and final playoff spot with 21 points, while Utah slightly increased its modest tally to 8 points.
Portland Thorns vs Kansas City Current
Kansas City Current shows no signs of slowing down! In their clash with the Portland Thorns, they claimed a solid 2–0 victory, extending their unbeaten run to 10 games.
Ellie Wheeler shined with a goal and an assist, while Temwa Chawinga scored her 11th goal of the season, strengthening her lead in the Golden Boot race. This marks a fifth consecutive clean sheet for the Current, with goalkeeper Lorena once again proving her class. Kansas City confidently tops the table with 43 points.
Houston Dash vs Seattle Reign FC
In Houston, the match ended in a 1–1 draw. The hosts took the lead just after halftime thanks to Yazmeen Ryan’s goal, but in the 65th minute, Jordyn Huitema equalized with a brilliant header after a pinpoint cross from Sofia Huerta. That assist was historic, the 32nd of Huerta’s NWSL career, setting a new league record.
Houston dominated possession and fired 14 shots (only 2 on target) but failed to secure the win. With this result, the Dash (19 points) extended their unbeaten run to four matches, while Seattle (26 points) stays in the playoff race, holding on to sixth place.
San Diego Wave FC vs Racing Louisville FC
An upset in San Diego! Racing Louisville defeated the favored Wave 1–0, with Emma Sears becoming the hero after finishing a smart ball into the box in the 59th minute.
Despite recording 22 shots (8 on target), San Diego couldn’t find a way past the brilliant Jordyn Bloomer, who was an absolute wall between the posts for the visitors.
Angel City vs Orlando Pride
Angel City finally broke their negative streak, defeating Orlando Pride 1–0 thanks to an Alyssa Thompson goal in the 86th minute. It was the Los Angeles team’s first win since May 9 and their first victory over the Pride since the 2023 season.
Matchweek Recap
Matchweek 17 of the NWSL delivered plenty of thrills and key moments in the race for the playoffs. Racing Louisville stunned San Diego, Ludmila etched her name in history with the fastest hat-trick in league history, and Washington Spirit celebrated a record-breaking crowd in the Bay Area. Kansas City Current solidified their spot at the top, Gotham and Utah split the points, and Seattle Reign along with Houston Dash remain in the hunt for a playoff berth.
